As many of you have probably figured out, there is not really anything being posted here anymore. I wouldn’t be expecting much new content either.

After finding a new job, the radio show was sort of discontinued. However, I have created a new blog, “Long Name, Amazing Thoughts,” (working title still), to post thoughts on different topics, since I no longer have the platform on radio.

There are still the weekly picks, and there will be more over the coming weeks. There may even be posts on current events and other random stuff.

Personally, I can’t thank you enough for reading over the last few years. I had the opportunity to do something I only dreamed of, and am so grateful of that chance.

Below is the fifth and final edition of the 2013 Mock NFL Draft. The first round is presented below, while rounds two through seven can be found HERE.

While there are some star players in this year’s draft, the 2013 NFL Draft might be remembered more for busts and players picked in later rounds that might become NFL superstars.

There is not quarterback prospect in this year’s draft that screams ‘franchise quarterback.’ All of the quarterbacks, have some questions surrounding them. There is only one quarterback taken in the first round of this mock draft, but don’t expect that to be reality. Once one is taken, teams will start jockeying to get the next.

This year is also a rare year of being at the top of the draft order being a negative. As previously mentioned, there are not any stand-out players this year on paper, but once the season comes around, that will change. However, some teams will end up with some solid players.

The Atlanta Braves open the season tonight at home against the Philadelphia Phillies. The Braves won one of the National League Wild Card spots, but lost in the Wild Card Game to the St. Louis Cardinals.

This season stands to be not much different, as the Braves will once again be in a close fight with the Washington Nationals in the National League East.

So let’s look at how the Atlanta Braves shape up as they open the 2013 season.

Starting Lineup

This is one of the deepest lineups in Major League Baseball, if everyone plays to their potential.

SS Andrelton Simmons will be asked to hit lead-off, a position he has thrived in so far in Spring Training and for the Netherlands in the World Baseball Classic.

The Braves did acquire both Upton brothers in the offseason. They signed CF B.J. Upton to a five-year deal, and traded for LF Justin Upton from the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Uptons, paired with RF Jason Heyward, stands to be one of the best outfields, offensively and defensively, in baseball.

2B Dan Uggla had a tough year in 2012, including briefly losing his starting job near the end of the season. However, Uggla went to training camp in great shape, and is poised for a comeback season. Uggla is a streaky hitter, but it would be surprising to see him duplicate 2012.

There are two main questions, catcher and third base. C Brian McCann will miss the start of the season as he recovers from shoulder surgery. C Gerald Laird and C/LF Evan Gattis will share time behind the plate until McCann returns.

However, even when McCann returns, which one will? Will it be the former All-Star who is one of the best hitting catchers in the game? Or will it be the injury-plagued catcher who has his moments, but it’s an overall struggle? McCann is in the last year of his contract, so there is some incentive to have a great season.

Chipper Jones retired after the 2012 season, meaning there is a bit of a question as to who will man the hot corner. The Braves first option, Martin Prado, was traded to get Justin Upton. Atlanta also acquired veteran 1B/3B Chris Johnson in the Justin Upton deal. He figures to get a lot of playing time, including starting at third base.

The Braves also have 3B Juan Francisco, who filled in at times for Jones in 2012, but seemed to go in and out of manager Fredi Gonzalez’s doghouse during the year. At least to start the season, the Braves will likely platoon Chris Johnson and Francisco.

The good news for the Braves: there is enough offensive potential, that if a spot or two struggles in the lineup, other guys can fill the void.

Bench

Some of the key bench players from the last few years are gone. 1B/OF Eric Hinske is off to Arizona and C David Ross is now playing in Boston.

The 2013 bench will feature either Chris Johnson or Francisco, depending on the starting pitcher, and OF Reed Johnson, acquired from the Cubs in 2012, as the top pinch-hitters.

C Gerald Laird will replace Ross as McCann’s backup, but as previously mentioned, will be starting a lot during the first few weeks.

OF Jordan Schafer returns to the team, and figures to offer speed off the bench in late game situations. IF Ramiro Pena will serve as a backup for the infield positions.

Starting Rotation

The Braves’ rotation features a mix of young and veteran pitchers. RHP Tim Hudson is the leader of the staff, and will lean on LHP Paul Maholm to be another veteran innings-eater for the rotation.

RHP Kris Medlen and LHP Mike Minor will look to capitalize on stellar ends to 2012. Medlen could not be hit as soon as he entered the starting rotation. Minor stepped up after he was given a vote of confidence by not being sent to AAA mid-season.

Top-prospect RHP Julio Teheran will be the fifth starter, at least until RHP Brandon Beachy returns from Tommy John Surgery around the All-Star Break.

Bullpen

One of the best bullpens in baseball in 2012 actually got stronger, but not without some concerns.

The team maximized it’s trade of RHP Tommy Hanson to the Angels by getting in return RHP Jordan Walden, a hard-throwing right-handed reliever.

Walden’s acquisition will prove to be even bigger if LHP Jonny Venters is out for a long period of time with an elbow injury. However, with Walden, LHP Eric O’Flaherty, and RHP Craig Kimbrel helps shorten the game for the rotation.

If the rotation does struggle, that is where a weakness may be exposed. RHP Cristhian Martinez is a proven swing-man, and RHP Cory Gearrin, LHP Luis Avilan, and RHP Anthony Varvaro will need to prove early on to Gonzalez that they can be trusted like the back-end of the bullpen.

Organizational Depth

This is the other concern for the Braves. If many injuries or needs arise, there is not a whole lot of proven depth in the organization.

IFs Tyler Pastornicky and Paul Janish, and OF Jose Constanza stand to wear out the path between Atlanta and Gwinnett as needs arise in 2013. Janish will miss the first few weeks as he recovers from shoulder surgery.

1B/OF Joe Terdoslavich, OF Jordan Parraz, IF Blake DeWitt, 1B Ernesto Mejia, and C/LF Evan Gattis (although he is on the Opening Day Roster) will also get looks if any player is out for an extended period of time.

Proven pitching below the major league level is a little more concerning. RHP David Carpenter is the only one who pitched in the majors in 2012. However, it would not be surprising if the team found a veteran reliever or two to stash at AAA.

RHPs David Hale and J.R. Graham, and LHPs Sean Gilmartin, Yohan Flande, and Alex Wood will help if some more starters (or relievers) are injured or struggle. Carpenter, RHP Wirfin Obispo (who impressed in Spring Training), and LHP Dusty Hughes provide depth for the bullpen.

2013 Outcome

The Braves are improved from 2012, but so is the division rival Washington Nationals. However, there is little doubt that the Braves can return to the playoffs in 2013. The Braves should make it into the divisional round, but the National League is overall pretty strong. If the Braves win a Wild Card spot, they would likely have to face the Nationals in the first round.

Opening Day of the 2013 Major League Baseball season is finally here, as the Texas Rangers welcome the Houston Astros to the American League. It has been a long spring training, since it was a World Baseball Classic year.

So, here are preview capsules for each team, along with predicted finishes, and then a World Series pick.

American League East

Toronto Blue Jays (Last year: 73-89, 4th AL East) – There is not a team in MLB who make a bigger offseason splash than the Blue Jays (the Braves are a close second). Here are all the players they brought in figuring to be major contributors in 2013: SS Jose Reyes, OF Melky Cabrera, 2B Emilio Bonifacio, 3B Maicer Izturis, RHP R.A. Dickey, LHP Mark Beuhrle, RHP Josh Johnson, and LHP J.A. Happ. Don’t forget this team already has RF Jose Bautista and 1B Edwin Encarnacion. The only question mark is whether John Gibbons is really the manager for this job. The Blue Jays have an opportunity to put the ‘world’ back in “World Series,” but John Gibbons has not proven he can lead a team to the playoffs. Despite that, the talent cannot be ignored, and the Blue Jays will make a deep run in the postseason, which will include winning the division.

Tampa Bay Rays (Last year: 90-72, 3rd AL East) – What could last season have been for the Rays if 3B Evan Longoria was healthy? The Rays finished with 90 wins without its franchise player in the lineup for a large chunk of the season. The lineup is solid, with the additions of SS Yunel Escobar, 2B Kelly Johnson, and 1B James Loney. LHP David Price returns to anchor the rotation, and RHP Fernando Rodney is back to close games out. The Rays will be a major contender in 2013, and will take one of the wild card berths.

Baltimore Orioles (Last year: 93-69, 2nd AL East, Wild Card winner) – Will this be the team that finally breaks the tendency for manager Buck Showalter? He always turns a team around, leads them to the playoffs, and follows it up with a mediocre season. However, the core of this team returns. In addition, 2B Brian Roberts and OF Nick Markakis enter the season healthy. 3B Manny Machado will man the hot corner all year, and C Matt Wieters is poised for another big year. The bullpen is solid, but the question will be if the starting pitchers can consistently pitch 6-7 innings every night. It was a breakthrough year for the Orioles in 2012, but some teams have gotten much better in the division.

Boston Red Sox (Last year: 69-93, 5th AL East) – It could be another long season in Boston, but at least this year, it will be done the Red Sox way. Bobby Valentine never should have been brought in as the manager, and the record showed that. John Farrell returns to the team that made him a hot commodity a few years ago. Offensively, this team has its stars, but it still could be a struggle to score runs. DH David Ortiz will start the season on the disabled list. Luckily for Boston, it has a great pitching staff. RHP John Lackey returns, and the team added RHP Ryan Dempster in the offseason. This team (keyword) will be improved, but will miss the playoffs again in 2013.

New York Yankees (Last year: 95-67, 1st AL East, best record in AL) – It would take an unbelievable season for the Yankees to repeat what they did last year. They just aren’t as good. The Yankees’ pitching staff is decent, it will have to win a lot of games for this team. The projected Opening Day lineup will be without OF Curtis Granderson, SS Derek Jeter, 3B Alex Rodriguez, and 1B Mark Teixeira, who all are out with injuries and will start the season on the disabled list. It is very rare when the question for a Yankees’ team is whether they will have enough offense to win, but that is the case in 2013. It will have to be Joe Girardi’s best season as a manager to get this team back to the playoffs. But it will be fun watching RHP Mariano Rivera’s retirement tour. The bigger question is whether he is the only Yankee on that tour.

American League Central

Detroit Tigers (Last year: 88-74, 1st AL Central, AL Champs) – Where will you go to find outs in this lineup? There is a hole here and there, but the addition of OF Torii Hunter and the return of DH Victor Martinez will make a huge difference. The rotation is solid, but the only big question mark for the Tigers is the bullpen. The team let once perfect closer RHP Jose Valverde leave in the offseason, and was hoping rookie RHP Bruce Rondon would step into that role. That’s not going to happen, as Rondon has been sent back to AAA. The Tigers will return to the playoffs, winning the division again in 2013.

Kansas City Royals (Last Year: 72-90, 3rd AL Central) – 2013 will be a make-or-break-year for the Royals and its manager, Ned Yost, and general manager, Dayton Moore. If everyone remains healthy, there is no reason to believe this team cannot contend in 2013. 3B Mike Moustakas and C Salvador Perez are both stars in the making, and along with LF Alex Gordon and DH Billy Butler, should provide plenty of pop for Kansas City. The major upgrade for the Royals in the offseason was bringing in RHP James Shields and RHP Wade Davis, which will significantly bolster an otherwise weak rotation the last few seasons. This team probably ends up being on the outside looking in, but will contend in 2013. However, if this team gets off to a bad start, Yost won’t make it through the season.

Cleveland Indians (Last Year: 68-94, 4th AL Central) – If the season ended in July, the Indians would have been in a good spot last year to make the playoffs. However, August and September sealed Manny Acta’s fate. So after a year off, Terry Francona returns to the dugout, hoping that he can resurrect one of the top franchises in the 1990s. This team, surprisingly, has one of the best lineups in baseball, especially with the acquisitions of OF Michael Bourn, 1B Nick Swisher, DH Mark Reynolds, and OF Drew Stubbs. The bullpen is one of the better ones, with RHP Chris Perez and RHP Vinnie Pestano closing out games. The one weakness, is the rotation. However, if they live up to their potential, the Indians could surprise some people in 2013.

Chicago White Sox (Last Year: 85-77, 2nd AL Central) – At the start of each season, you want to be able to see how a team improved through the offseason. For the White Sox, there was no major improvements. The two biggest offseason acquisitions were 3B Jeff Keppinger and RHP Matt Lindstrom. This is still a solid team, but while others improved, the White Sox did nothing. It’s not a rebuilding situation for Chicago, but it leaves you scratching your head and wondering where they are going. One suggestion, not to the playoffs in 2013.

Minnesota Twins (Last Year: 66-96, 5th AL Central) – It is probably not going to be pretty for the Twins again in 2013. They do have a solid heart of the lineup, when everyone is healthy, with C Joe Mauer, LF Josh Willingham, and 1B Justin Morneau. But there is really nothing else exciting about this team, other than players building up service time. For many other teams, a lot of the players that will make the Twins, would probably be competing for jobs.

American League West

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (Last Year: 89-73, 3rd AL West) – The Angels are likely on top of the list of teams that have underachieved the last few years. The pieces are in place again in 2013 to make a run. OF Mike Trout will try to duplicate his rookie year, and will be joined in the outfield by OF Josh Hamilton. That’s not even bringing up the name 1B Albert Pujols yet. This is a deep rotation, especially if everyone pitches as well as they are capable. The one weakness may be the bullpen, which will start the season without RHP Ryan Madson. Anything short of a division title will be a disappointment.

Texas Rangers (Last Year: 93-69, 2nd AL West, AL Wild Card winner) – The Athletics’ surprise was the Rangers’ demise in 2012. One of baseball’s best during the entire season, struggled down the stretch. This team will have to try and cope without OF Josh Hamilton, who went to a division rival. However, this team will be right in the thick of it all, with DH Lance Berkman and 3B Adrian Beltre in the heart of the order. The rotation is still as solid as it gets, with LHP Matt Harrison, LHP Derek Holland, and RHP Yu Darvish. Though it will be interesting to see how Darvish does in year two.

Oakland Athletics (Last Year: 94-68, 1st AL West) – What a surprise it was to see the Athletics make the playoffs in 2012. More impressively, they claimed a division that had Albert Pujols and Josh Hamilton playing in it (on separate teams, then). As for 2013, most of the same pieces return, so many players have the experience of last year. It would be another huge shocker if Oakland can return to the playoffs in 2013, but that is the same thing we said last year.

Seattle Mariners (Last Year: 75-87, 4th AL West) – The Mariners won’t make the playoffs in 2013, but will make a difference in who does. This is an improved team, with several guys starting to figure things out, especially 1B Justin Smoak. It will also help having DH Kendrys Morales and OF Michael Morse make up the middle of the lineup. Pitching, other than RHP Felix Hernandez, will be a bit of a concern. Thankfully for the Mariners, they won’t be the worst team in the division.

Houston Astros (Last Year: 55-107, 6th NL Central) – Welcome to the American League West, Houston. That’s about the only exciting statement when talking about the 2013 Astros. This was the worst team in 2012, and will be competing for that title in 2013. Bo Porter will be tasked with trying to avoid that as the new manager. Like with the Twins, there are a lot of players that would not be on an Opening Day roster without being in the Houston organization. Although some interesting players to watch with Houston include 2B Jose Altuve, DH Carlos Pena, RHP Philip Humber, and LHP Erik Bedard.

AL Wild Card: Rays over Rangers

ALDS: Tigers over Rays, Blue Jays over Angels

ALCS: Blue Jays over Tigers

National League East

Washington Nationals (Last Year: 98-64, 1st NL East, Best Record in NL) – The Nationals were good in 2012, and managed to get better for 2013. Washington filled two major needs by bringing in OF Denard Span and RHP Rafael Soriano. These moves put the players who were filling them into roles that better suit this team. RHP Stephen Strasburg will not be worrying about any innings limits this season. The Nationals got a taste of being in the postseason last season, and will look to go even deeper in 2013. This team will make a deep run in the playoffs.

Atlanta Braves (Last Year: 94-68, 2nd NL East, Wild Card Winner) – The Braves made the second biggest offseason splash by bringing in both Upton brothers to play the outfield. This Braves teams will certainly push some offensive records, specifically runs and strikeouts. The only weakness in this lineup is at third base, trying to find Chipper Jones’ replacement. The season will start with a platoon between Juan Francisco and Chris Johnson. The rotation is solid, and the bullpen is as good as it gets, as long as everyone is healthy. The Braves should make the playoffs again in 2013.

Philadelphia Phillies (Last Year: 81-81, 3rd NL East) – The Phillies likely will miss the playoffs for the second straight year, but that is not saying they won’t compete. This is a solid team, but they play in the same division as Atlanta and Washington. Philadelphia brought in 3B Michael Young and OF Ben Revere to help the lineup, and will both play key parts in the Phillies’ lineup. The concern remains pitching. The Phillies spent some money to improve the bullpen, but it might prove not to work.

Miami Marlins (Last Year: 69-93, 5th NL East) – Let’s just pretend last year didn’t happen for the Marlins. It was a disaster. Management cleaned house, including replacing manager Ozzie Guillen with Mark Redmond. Miami is trying to go back to the Florida Marlins’ way of winning baseball, as opposed to the spending spree from last year. This will actually be a fun team to watch, because they have some good young talent. With that said, this team is still not very good.

New York Mets (Last Year: 74-88, 4th NL East) – This team is not very good. The Mets will have to out-score its opponents offensively to win, because the pitching will not hold its opponent off. That’s also saying that the Mets will get enough offense. Like the Astros and Twins, there are a lot of guys that might not have major league jobs on Opening Day, if it wasn’t for the Mets. It’s going to be a long season.

National League Central

Cincinnati Reds (Last Year: 97-65, 1st NL Central) – This is a solid team, and should make the playoffs again in 2013. This offense will score runs, and it will be helped with OF Shin-Soo Choo coming over from Cleveland. The decision to put LHP Aroldis Chapman back as the closer is absolutely correct. It certainly makes the bullpen stronger, and doesn’t really hurt the rotation. This is a good team, but are they a great team? Only time will tell.

St. Louis Cardinals (Last Year: 88-74, 2nd NL Central, Wild Card winner) – Much like last year, you look at the make-up of this team and wonder how they will compete in 2013. However, what St. Louis always does right is they find baseball players, which can’t always be said about other teams. A healthy 1B Allen Craig will make a huge difference. Getting a healthy 3B David Freeze will make a bigger one. Pitching could be a struggle for St. Louis. Closer RHP Jason Motte will start the season on the disabled list, and RHP Chris Carpenter is likely to miss the entire 2013 season. But St. Louis always finds a way to win.

Milwaukee Brewers (Last Year: 83-79, 3rd NL Central) – This isn’t a bad team, just really isn’t good enough. Injuries became a big story last year, and already are this year for the Brewers. Any offense that has OF Ryan Braun leading it will be a force. It will be even better once it gets 1B Corey Hart back from the disabled list. The team signed RHP Kyle Lohse to fill out its rotation right before the regular season, and he will help RHP Yovani Gallardo lead the staff. The back-end of the bullpen is solid, but getting it to closer RHP John Axford could be an issue. The Brewers will contend for most of the season, but might come up a little short.

Pittsburgh Pirates (Last Year: 79-83, 4th NL Central) – This team is very similar to the Brewers, not too bad, but just not good enough to realistically contend. This team will make a difference in who does make the playoffs. OF Andrew McCutchen is the star of this team, and needs either or both OF Starling Marte and 3B Pedro Alvarez take the next step in their development. The rotation is solid, but the bullpen has a whole lot of unknowns. The Pirates keep showing the potential of breaking through, but keep coming up a little short.

Chicago Cubs (Last Year: 61-101, 5th NL Central) – The bad news for the Cubs is that the Astros aren’t in the division anymore to keep them from finishing last. The good news is that this team won’t be as bad as last year’s team. 1B Anthony Rizzo should take the next step in his development. This team will need offense, because there is not a lot of pitching to save the Cubs. The biggest story will be whether OF Alfonso Soriano is traded during the season.

National League West

Los Angeles Dodgers (Last Year: 86-76, 2nd NL West) – It was amazing how well the Dodgers competed with all of the off-the-field issues from last year. Once that was cleared up, they made some really big deals, and spent a whole lot of money. Based on those acquisitions, this team should be one of the favorites to win the National League. Like the Blue Jays, the question will remain whether manager Don Mattingly is the right man for this job. If this team isn’t on top early, it would not be shocking to see an early move. One way or another, this team should make the playoffs.

San Francisco Giants (Last Year: 94-68, 1st NL West, World Series Champs) – The Giants are poised to make it back-to-back championships, with just about the same players they won it all with in 2012. There were no major changes in the offseason, just bringing back some of the key players from 2012, like 2B Marco Scutaro. The pitching staff is mostly still together, with the exception of former closer RHP Brian Wilson. RHP Tim Lincecum is penciled in the rotation, but will have a short leash. The Giants should return to the postseason in 2013, but another championship will be tough.

Arizona Diamondbacks (Last Year: 81-81, 3rd NL West) – The Diamondbacks will compete in 2013, but they probably won’t have enough to make the postseason. Like the Brewers and Pirates, this is not a bad team. They acquired 3B Martin Prado in the offseason, which will be a big boost and solidify what has been a revolving door at third base. Several of the pitchers will have to prove that 2012 was not a fluke. However, if everything goes right, a playoff run is not out of the question.

Colorado Rockies (Last Year: 64-98, 5th NL West) – The Rockies underachieved in 2012, making new manager Walt Weiss’ job even tougher to get the best out of this team. This is a solid lineup, especially when OF Carlos Gonzalez and SS Troy Tulowitzki are healthy. The biggest question, as it usually is with Colorado, is whether there is enough pitching. The back end of the bullpen, RHP Rafael Betancourt and RHP Matt Belisle are proven pitchers. However, everyone else, including the entire rotation, will need to prove themselves early in the season. The other story-line with the Rockies: perhaps 1B Todd Helton’s final season.

San Diego Padres (Last Year: 76-86, 4th NL West) – The Padres will have some problems if they can’t score, and can’t keep opponents from scoring. 3B Chase Headley is out to start the season, so it makes that lack of offense issue a little more glaring. Without Headley, it makes it easier to pitch around the other top hitters in the lineup, 1B Yonder Alonso and OF Carlos Quentin. The top of the rotation and back end of the bullpen are good, everything in between is adequate at best. This could end up being another long season in San Diego.

NL Wild Card: Braves over Giants

NLDS: Nationals over Braves, Reds over Dodgers

NLCS: Nationals over Reds

World Series Pick: Nationals over Blue Jays, 6 games.

The team that used to be from Canada, beats the only team in Canada. The Nationals are poised to bring a championship back to the nation’s capital. Last year provided a taste of what postseason success can taste like.

Now, obviously, this is a guess. That’s what makes baseball so great. On Opening Day, every fan from every team thinks that theirs can win a World Series.

The post-free agency frenzy 2013 NFL Mock Draft is finally here. After the initial flurry of deals, it becomes more clear what needs teams will look to fill in through the draft. The 4th edition, is also the first complete mock draft.

Texas A&M T Luke Joeckel remains the No. 1 overall in the mock draft. West Virginia QB Geno Smith stays as the only quarterback in the first round. However, it would not be surprising for other quarterbacks to end up being drafted in the first round.

Just for fun, the predicted Mr. Irrelevant for 2013: RB Knile Davis from Arkansas going to Indianapolis.

As always, any likenesses of this mock draft to any other mock drafts is purely coincidental. If you do link or re-print part of this, please give credit where credit is due.

Round 1

Pick

Team

Player

School

1

Chiefs

T Luke Joeckel

Texas A&M

2

Jaguars

CB Dee Milliner

Alabama

3

Radiers

DT Sharrif Floyd

Florida

4

Eagles

DE Dion Jordan

Oregon

5

Lions

T Eric Fisher

Central Michigan

6

Browns

G Chance Warmack

Alabama

7

Cardinals

QB Geno Smith

West Virginia

8

Bills

WR Cordarrelle Patterson

Tennessee

9

Jets

T Lane Johnson

Oklahoma

10

Titans

CB Xavier Rhodes

Florida State

11

Chargers

G Jonathan Cooper

North Carolina

12

Dolphins

DE Bjoern Werner

Florida State

13

Buccaneers

DE Ezekiel Ansah

BYU

14

Panthers

DT Sheldon Richardson

Missouri

15

Saints

OLB Barkevious Mingo

LSU

16

Rams

FS Kenny Vaccaro

Texas

17

Steelers

OLB Jarvis Jones

Georgia

18

Cowboys

DT Star Lotulelei

Utah

19

Giants

T D.J. Fluker

Alabama

20

Bears

ILB Kevin Minter

LSU

21

Bengals

CB Desmond Trufant

Washington

22

Rams (from Redskins)

WR Tavon Austin

West Virginia

23

Vikings

DT Johnathan Hankins

Ohio State

24

Colts

DE Datone Jones

UCLA

25

Vikings (from Seahawks)

WR DeAndre Hopkins

Clemson

26

Packers

RB Eddie Lacy

Alabama

27

Texans

WR Keenan Allen

California

28

Broncos

DT Kawann Short

Purdue

29

Patriots

DE Damontre Moore

Texas A&M

30

Falcons

DE Sam Montgomery

LSU

31

49ers

CB Johnthan Banks

Mississippi State

32

Ravens

ILB Manti Te’o

Notre Dame

Round 2

33

Jaguars

QB Matt Barkley

USC

34

49ers (from Chiefs)

SS Matt Elam

Florida

35

Eagles

OLB Alec Ogletree

Georgia

36

Lions

DE Alex Okafor

Texas

37

Bengals (from Raiders)

OLB Arthur Brown

Kansas State

38

Cardinals

TE Tyler Eifert

Notre Dame

XX

Browns

Forfeited due to pick in 2nd round of last year’s supplemental draft

39

Jets

SS Jonathan Cyprien

Florida International

40

Titans

G Justin Pugh

Syracuse

41

Bills

QB Ryan Nassib

Syracuse

42

Dolphins

TE Zach Ertz

Stanford

43

Buccaneers

CB Jamar Taylor

Boise State

44

Panthers

WR Robert Woods

USC

XX

Saints

Forfeited due to involvement in bounty scandal

45

Chargers

T Kyle Long

Oregon

46

Rams

T Terron Armstead

Arkansas-Pine Bluff

47

Cowboys

C Barrett Jones

Alabama

48

Steelers

DE Marqus Hunt

Southern Methodist

49

Giants

DT Jesse Williams

Alabama

50

Bears

DT Sylvester Williams

North Carolina

51

Redskins

CB David Amerson

North Carolina State

52

Vikings

FS Eric Reid

LSU

53

Bengals

DE Cornellius Carradine

Florida State

54

Dolphins (from Colts)

WR Quinton Patton

Louisiana Tech

55

Packers

WR Terrance Williams

Baylor

56

Seahawks

WR Justin Hunter

Tennessee

57

Texans

OLB Khaseem Greene

Rutgers

58

Broncos

CB Jordan Poyer

Oregon State

59

Patriots

WR Markus Wheaton

Oregon State

60

Falcons

OLB Sio Moore

Connecticut

61

49ers

OLB Jamie Collins

Southern Mississippi

62

Ravens

DT John Jenkins

Georgia

Round 3

63

Chiefs

QB Tyler Wilson

Arkansas

64

Jaguars

T Menelik Watson

Florida State

65

Lions

RB Giovani Bernard

North Carolina

66

Raiders

QB EJ Manuel

Florida State

67

Eagles

CB Darius Slay

Mississippi State

68

Browns

QB Mike Glennon

North Carolina State

69

Cardinals

T Dallas Thomas

Tennessee

70

Titans

C Travis Frederick

Wisconsin

71

Bills

OLB Trevardo Williams

Connecticut

72

Jets

WR Aaron Dobson

Marshall

73

Buccaneers

TE Vance McDonald

Rice

74

49ers (from Panthers)

WR Da’Rick Rogers

Tennessee Tech

75

Saints

FS Phillip Thomas

Fresno State

76

Chargers

CB Robert Alford

Southeastern Louisiana

77

Dolphins

CB Tyrann Mathieu

LSU

78

Rams

G Larry Warford

Kentucky

79

Steelers

SS Shamarko Thomas

Syracuse

80

Cowboys

DE John Simon

Ohio State

81

Giants

CB Logan Ryan

Rutgers

82

Dolphins (from Bears)

RB Johnathan Franklin

UCLA

83

Vikings

T David Bakhtiari

Colorado

84

Bengals

RB Joseph Randle

Oklahoma State

85

Redskins

FS Bacarri Rambo

Georgia

86

Colts

CB Dwayne Gratz

Connecticut

87

Seahawks

TE Gavin Escobar

San Diego State

88

Packers

QB Tyler Bray

Tennessee

89

Texans

G Brian Winters

Kent State

90

Broncos

RB Andre Ellington

Clemson

91

Patriots

DT Brandon Williams

Missouri Southern State

92

Falcons

RB Montee Ball

Wisconsin

93

49ers

C Brian Schwenke

California

94

Ravens

FS T.J. McDonald

USC

95

Texans (compensatory)

T Oday Aboushi

Virginia

96

Chiefs (compensatory)

WR Ryan Swope

Texas A&M

97

Titans (compensatory)

TE Travis Kelce

Cincinnati

Round 4

98

Jaguars

OLB Corey Lemonier

Auburn

99

Chiefs

DE Malliciah Goodman

Clemson

100

Raiders

CB B.W. Webb

William & Mary

101

Eagles

SS Shawn Williams

Georgia

102

Vikings (from Lions)

OLB Zaviar Gooden

Missouri

103

Cardinals

ILB Kiko Alonso

Oregon

104

Browns

WR Marquise Goodwin

Texas

105

Bills

FS D.J. Swearinger

South Carolina

106

Jets

RB Stepfan Taylor

Stanford

107

Titans

RB Christine Michael

Texas A&M

108

Panthers

CB Blidi Wreh-Wilson

Connecticut

109

Saints

DT Akeem Spence

Illinois

110

Chargers

TE Jordan Reed

Florida

111

Dolphins

T Chris Faulk

LSU

112

Buccaneers

OLB DeVonte Holloman

South Carolina

113

Rams

OLB Sean Porter

Texas A&M

114

Cowboys

SS JJ Wilcox

Georgia Southern

115

Steelers

WR Tavarres King

Georgia

116

Giants

OLB Brandon Jenkins

Florida State

117

Bears

T Jordan Mills

Louisiana Tech

118

Bengals

ILB Jon Bostic

Florida

119

Redskins

WR Stedman Bailey

West Virginia

120

Vikings

CB Leon McFadden

San Diego State

121

Colts

T David Quessenberry

San Jose State

122

Packers

OLB Chase Thomas

Stanford

123

Seahawks

DE Devin Taylor

South Carolina

124

Texans

ILB Nico Johnson

Alabama

125

Broncos

FS Josh Evans

Florida

126

Buccaneers (from Patriots)

QB Landry Jones

Oklahoma

127

Falcons

CB Brandon McGee

Miami (Fla.)

128

49ers

DE Lavar Edwards

LSU

129

Ravens

WR Kenny Stills

Oklahoma

130

Ravens (compensatory)

OLB Jelani Jenkins

Florida

131

49ers (compensatory)

TE Dion Sims

Michigan State

132

Lions (compensatory)

WR Cobi Hamilton

Arkansas

133

Falcons (compensatory)

C Khaled Holmes

USC

Round 5

134

Chiefs

OLB Keith Pough

Howard

135

Jaguars

G Alvin Bailey

Arkansas

136

Eagles

DT Jordan Hill

Penn State

137

Lions

CB Will Davis

Utah State

138

Seahawks (from Raiders)

DT Montori Hughes

Tennessee-Martin

139

Browns

DE Cornelius Washington

Georgia

140

Cardinals

RB Le’Veon Bell

Michigan State

141

Jets

ILB Keith Reddick

North Carolina

142

Titans

OLB Gerald Hodges

Penn State

143

Bills

G J.C. Tretter

Cornell

144

Saints

CB Tharold Simon

LSU

145

Chargers

WR Chris Harper

Kansas State

146

Dolphins

DT Bennie Logan

LSU

147

Buccaneers

T Xavier Nixon

Florida

148

Panthers

SS Robert Lester

Alabama

149

Rams

RB Marcus Lattimore

South Carolina

150

Steelers

RB Mike Gillislee

Florida

151

Cowboys

OLB Lerentee McCray

Florida

152

Giants

TE Nick Kasa

Colorado

153

Bears

CB Nickell Robey

USC

154

Redskins

DT Everett Dawkins

Florida State

155

Vikings

QB Matt Scott

Arizona

156

Bengals

T Brennan Williams

North Carolina

157

49ers (from Colts)

DT T.J. Barnes

Georgia Tech

158

Seahawks

OLB Ty Powell

Harding

159

Packers

FS Tony Jefferson

Oklahoma

160

Texans

FB Lonnie Pryor

Florida State

161

Broncos

ILB A.J. Klein

Iowa State

162

Redskins (from Patriots)

DE William Gholston

Michigan State

163

Falcons

WR Conner Vernon

Duke

164

49ers

CB Terry Hawthorne

Illinois

165

Ravens

T Reid Fragel

Ohio State

166

Dolphins (compensatory)

OLB Etienne Sabino

Ohio State

167

Packers (compensatory)

RB Kenjon Barner

Oregon

168

Ravens (compensatory)

QB Zac Dyser

Miami (Ohio)

Round 6

169

Jaguars

RB Jawan Jamison

Rutgers

170

Chiefs

G Hugh Thornton

Illinois

171

Lions

FS Rontez Miles

California (PA)

172

Raiders

P Brad Wing

LSU

173

Browns (from Eagles)

CB Josh Johnson

Purdue

174

Cardinals

DE David Bass

Missouri Western State

175

Browns

FB Tommy Bohanon

Wake Forest

176

Cardinals (from Titans, Vikings)

CB Sanders Commings

Georgia

177

Bills

WR Josh Boyce

TCU

178

Jets

OLB Brandon Magee

Arizona State

179

Chargers

RB Theo Riddick

Notre Dame

180

49ers (from Dolphins)

T Ricky Wagner

Wisconsin

181

Buccaneers

WR Corey Fuller

Virginia Tech

182

Panthers

G Eric Herman

Ohio

183

Saints

WR Ace Sanders

South Carolina

184

Rams

DT Kwame Geathers

Georgia

185

Cowboys

G Garrett Gilkey

Chadron State

186

Steelers

TE Chris Gragg

Arkansas

187

Giants

WR Aaron Mellette

Elon

188

Bears

OLB Eric Martin

Nebraska

189

Vikings

FB Kyle Juszczyk

Harvard

190

Bengals

C Braxston Cave

Notre Dame

191

Redskins

T Jason Weaver

Southern Mississippi

192

Colts

DT Josh Boyd

Mississippi State

193

Packers

C P.J. Lonergan

LSU

194

Seahawks

ILB Jonathan Stewart

Texas A&M

195

Texans

SS Earl Wolff

North Carolina State

196

Buccaneers (from Broncos through Eagles)

RB Kerwynn Williams

Utah State

197

Bengals (from Patriots)

WR Rodney Smith

Florida State

198

Falcons

DT Cory Grissom

South Florida

199

49ers

CB Steve Williams

California

200

Ravens

CB Adrian Bushell

Louisville

201

Texans (compensatory)

RB Zac Stacy

Vanderbilt

202

Titans (compensatory)

DE Michael Buchanan

Illinois

203

Ravens (compensatory)

TE Ryan Otten

San Jose State

204

Chiefs (compensatory)

CB Johnny Adams

Michigan State

205

Raiders (compensatory)

TE Mychal Rivera

Tennessee

206

Steelers (compensatory)

G Omoregie Uzzi

Georgia Tech

Round 7

207

Chiefs

RB Cierre Wood

Notre Dame

208

Jaguars

FS Daimion Stafford

Nebraska

209

Raiders

OLB John Lotulelei

UNLV

210

Eagles

WR Denard Robinson

Michigan

211

Lions

G Jeff Baca

UCLA

212

Eagles (from Browns)

T Braden Brown

BYU

213

Vikings (from Cardinals)

WR Jasper Collins

Mount Union

214

Seahawks (from Bills)

FB Zach Line

Southern Methodist

215

Jets

QB Sean Renfree

Duke

216

Titans

SS Duke Williams

Nevada

217

Dolphins

C Matt Stankiewitch

Penn State

218

Eagles (from Buccaneers)

P Quinn Sharp

Oklahoma State

219

Raiders (from Panthers)

ILB Steve Beauharnais

Rutgers

220

Seahawks (from Saints)

RB Ray Graham

Pittsburgh

221

Chargers

OLB Travis Johnson

San Jose State

222

Rams

TE Jake Stoneburner

Ohio State

223

Steelers

CB Micah Hyde

Iowa

224

Dolphins (from Cowboys)

G Sam Brenner

Utah

225

Giants

DE Stansly Maponga

TCU

226

Patriots (from Bears through Buccaneers)

CB Marc Anthony

California

227

49ers (from Bengals)

DT Anthony McCloud

Florida State

228

Redskins

WR Marquess Wilson

Washington State

229

Vikings

WR Alec Lemon

Syracuse

230

Colts

WR Brandon Kaufman

Eastern Washington

231

Vikings (from Seahawks)

CB D.J. Hayden

Houston

232

Packers

K Dustin Hopkins

Clemson

233

Texans

DT Mike Purcell

Wyoming

234

Broncos

TE Michael Williams

Alabama

235

Patriots

FS Jakar Hamilton

South Carolina State

236

Falcons

SS Keelan Johnson

Arizona State

237

49ers

CB Mike Edwards

Hawaii

238

Ravens

DE Tourek Williams

Florida International

239

Eagles (compensatory)

QB Jordan Rodgers

Vanderbilt

240

Bengals (compensatory)

RB Miquel Maysonet

Stony Brook

241

Seahawks (compensatory)

T Tanner Hawkinson

Kansas

242

Seahawks (compensatory)

G Earl Watford

James Madison

243

Falcons (compensatory)

ILB Albert Rosette

Nevada

244

Falcons (compensatory)

TE Zach Sudfeld

Nevada

245

Lions (compensatory)

OLB Herman Lathers

Tennessee

246

49ers (compensatory)

FB Kyler Reed

Nebraska

247

Ravens (compensatory)

CB Kahlid Wooten

Nevada

248

Titans (compensatory)

CB Travis Howard

Ohio State

249

Falcons (compensatory)

T Roger Gaines

Tennessee State

250

Dolphins (compensatory)

FS Bradley McDougald

Kansas

251

Bengals (compensatory)

K Caleb Sturgis

Florida

252

49ers (compensatory)

TE Jack Doyle

Western Kentucky

253

Giants (compensatory)

ILB Vince Williams

Florida State

254

Colts (compensatory)

RB Knile Davis

Arkansas

The next edition of the mock draft will likely come just before the 2013 NFL Draft

The 2013 NFL Scouting Combine has passed, and several pro prospects impressed scouts, while others have created an uphill climb as the NFL Draft approaches.

Granted there are still Pro Days and individual workouts that will occur, but the first impressions made by players on scouts and coaches will be remembered by everyone when decision day comes.

So here is the third edition of the 2013 NFL Mock Draft. This draft includes the first three rounds. There still could be an added compensatory selection at the end of the third round. The next edition will come closer to the draft, once teams have filled some of their needs through free agency.

As stated before, there is no obvious first overall pick in this draft. This overall class is way down. A team has just as good of luck of landing a super-star player in the fourth round, as they do in the first round.

The one big change in this third edition of the mock draft is moving West Virginia QB Geno Smith into the first round. Southern Cal QB Matt Barkley’s injury concerns, and no real indication on an individual workout, makes it a little risky to pick him right now. Barkley does go very early in the second round.

Just as a reminder, any similarities to other mock drafts are purely coincidental. This is on my own research and guesses based on team needs to determine this mock draft.

Below are a summary of the South Carolina Gamecocks that participated at the 2013 NFL Combine in Indianapolis.

PLAYER

40-YARD DASH

BENCH PRESS

VERTICAL JUMP

BROAD JUMP

3-CONE DRILL

20-YARD SHUTTLE

60-YARD SHUTTLE

TE-Justice Cunningham

4.94

DNP

31.5

116.0

7.12

4.45

11.88

RB-Marcus Lattimore

DNP

LB-DeVonte Holloman

4.76

15

33.0

113.0

7.30

4.26

DNP

OL-T.J. Johnson

5.33

32

25.5

96.0

7.83

4.74

DNP

WR-Ace Sanders

4.58

7

32.0

117.0

6.81

4.37

11.29

S-D.J. Swearinger

4.67

17

37.0

124.0

DNP

DNP

DNP

DL-Devin Taylor

4.72

14

35.0

128.0

DNP

DNP

DNP

Source: NFL.com

For all of the players, there is room for improvement at the Gamecocks’ Pro Day and the players’ individual workouts. There were good performances in some drills, but no player had an overall impressive workout.

Each player could use to decrease their 40-yard dash time. Of all the players, Ace Sanders’ 40-yard dash time is the most disappointing.

Devin Taylor impressed scouts and coaches at the NFL Combine with his athleticism, but it would help his draft status if he can show a little more strength.

Justice Cunningham’s numbers were also good, but he will definitely need to show that he can do all the things a tight end does.

T.J. Johnson will only help himself if he can prove he is versatile enough to play all the positions on the offensive line. It also helps that he played center.

DeVonte Holloman is an intriguing prospect, as he enters the draft as a linebacker. He played some safety and the SPUR position for the Gamecocks, which brought Holloman more into a linebacker’s position in a traditional defense.

D.J. Swearinger has the tools, but his numbers were so-so, and he will need to prove that some of his antics this past season are a thing of the past. An NFL coach will only give you so many chances.

Players also have to go through the interview process with teams. For some, it’s a good thing those aren’t publicized. For others, it puts the foot in the door to get a shot at the NFL.

Unless someone has a spectacular workout before the draft, don’t expect any Gamecocks’ players to be taken in the first round of the NFL Draft. The two main candidates to be taken first of the Gamecocks will be either Taylor or Marcus Lattimore, likely on day two (second and third rounds), or early on day three.

An updated NFL mock draft will be coming soon, now that the 2013 NFL Combine is complete.